To train as an actor you need talent, as well as self-belief, confidence and perseverance. You have to be intelligent, sensitive, observant and imaginative, with physical and mental resilience. 

The techniques you learn during training will build on these qualities. They’ll provide you with the discipline, practical skills and intellectual understanding necessary to build a lasting career. Crucially, they’ll also present opportunities to be seen by agents, casting directors, and theatre and television companies. This is a vital first step in entering the profession. (The Spotlight Performance Calendar details recent productions of all NCDT accredited courses).

All accredited institutions share fundamental principles of actor training, such as the importance of voice and movement. However, there are various philosophies and methodologies applied to the teaching in different schools. You may find that one course suits you better than another, so research as many NCDT accredited courses as possible and don’t be afraid to trust your instincts during the audition process. 

Actor training should help prepare you for the variety of employment opportunities you might encounter. An average career could involve work in film, corporate training videos, radio, commercials, voice-overs, cruise ship entertainment, small-scale theatre touring, theatre-in-education, and West End productions. Training can also be a starting step for other jobs in the performing arts industries, like directing, scriptwriting, producing and teaching.